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WASTATELIVING's avatar
Nov 01, 2021

Electrical issue on 50amp service

I've got a new fifth wheel on 50 amp service. Recently we have lost power to all of our outlets and both electric fire places. After checking each plug, checking to ensure no breakers are popped, all fuses are intact, and the source is good this is what I've discovered.

The power supply cord is supplying 120v on both legs. When plugged into the RV our LED light above plugs shows power. At the breaker panel however, the red leg shows 120v and the black leg shows 70v. which matches the voltage I'm getting at the outlets. This is BEFORE it even reaches the breaker. I am assuming that the issue is in the inlet plug on the wall of the RV. Either a loose wire or it just needs to be replaced. I'll be opening it up tomorrow to take a look and replace it.

Any other ideas, something I might be missing?
Thanks
-Dre
  • You state Sub panel. Is this something you or an electrician installed JUST to power your RV? The CORRECT voltage on 50 amp is 120 on EACH Leg. THEN there should be 240 volts when testing between each Leg. IF NOT, you do not have a correctly wired 50 amp sub panel. usually that 70 volts means you have miswired the subpanel and do not have the correct Neutral leg connection. We are assuming that you had NO PROBLEM either at the Dealership or at a Campground with 50 amp service. You just have this problem at your home receptacle. Doug

    PS, I have 42 years as a RV tech and one thing I have learned over those years is that even LICENSED ELECTRICIANS, have problems understanding 30 and 50 amp RV plugs.
  • WASTATELIVING wrote:
    Home. On a subpanel. I've checked the main panel and the sub and haven't found any issues or popped breakers there.


    When you say sub panel, what do you mean? The most common method for plugging in at home is a dogbone to plug into a 20 A outlet. Do you have an inverter? Most newer RV's have an inverter that controls the outlets.
  • Home. On a subpanel. I've checked the main panel and the sub and haven't found any issues or popped breakers there.

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